Best mouse sensor: which one to choose and recommended models
Table of contents:
- Optical infrared and laser sensor
- Best infrared sensor
- PMW 3360 (Pixart)
- Razer 5G (PixArt PMW 3389)
- Logitech Hero 16K (Logitech)
- Best laser sensor
- Darkfield (Logitech)
- Other Logitech models
- Conclusions on the best sensor
In the same way that a mouse is an essential part of our computer, the sensor of a mouse is its heart. It never hurts to know which model you have equipped or which are the most powerful on the market. Whether they are optical or laser sensors, in this article we will try to give you guidance among the best in the industry.
Index of contents
Optical infrared and laser sensor
From the outset we have a duality, given that within the optical sensors we have two variants to use. Popularly, infrared (lifelong optical) sensors are the ones that dominate the market today and offer the most variety. On the other hand, laser sensors are more accurate, although in a smaller area.
To go deeper into this topic you can take a look at our article Mouse with laser sensor or optical sensor Which is better?Although the structure and operation of both models is very similar, each one has specific characteristics that make many users choose one type more than another. Also at present these differences have shortened distance in recent years and the technical characteristics can be exactly the same. On the other hand, other factors such as the type of surface and the availability of the mat are still very relevant.
In the market we can find big brands making their own models (Hero from Logitech, 5G from Razer) or manufacturers like Pixart, which dominates the industry and is responsible for the best mouse sensors today.
Best infrared sensor
The infrared (or dry optical) optical sensor is the most popular and the model with which most mice are manufactured. It is therefore common both in the office and in high-level gaming. Here no one is spared. As we said earlier, the best sensors in the industry usually come from the giant Pixart. Other brands often develop variants that follow the guidelines of their best models or design their own. Here are the most popular:
PMW 3360 (Pixart)
A mythical sensor that was and continues to be a reference in the world of mice. What made it so revolutionary was that for the first time the sensor's CPI (count per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) were completely accurate, making it the most accurate model to date.
Its technical specifications are as follows:
- CPI: 12, 000 DPI: 12, 000 IPS: 250 Acceleration: 50g
Some of the mice that have it are:
- Roccat Kone EMP Corsair M65 Pro RGB Logitech G Pro Wireless SteelSeries Rival 310
Razer 5G (PixArt PMW 3389)
Later, Pixart took out another sensor model and Razer made sure to take advantage of its features by creating its own version for pro gaming : Razer 5G. This sensor was designed to compete with its arch enemy: Logitech's Hero 16K.
Its technical specifications are as follows:
- CPI: 16, 000 DPI: 16, 000 IPS: 450 Acceleration: 50g
Some of the mice that have it are:
- Deathadder Elite Mamba Elite Viper Esporta Basilisk
Logitech Hero 16K (Logitech)
Rare is the user who does not know or has used any product of this brand. The particularity of the sensor developed by Logitech, the Hero 16K is very specific: zero alterations. No smoothing or acceleration. The mouse sensor does not modify any data that the user does not physically contribute when moving it.
Its technical specifications are as follows:
- CPI: 16, 000 DPI: 16, 000 IPS: 400+ Acceleration: 0g
Some of the mice that have it are:
- G Pro G903 Lightspeed G703 Lightspeed G403 HERO
Best laser sensor
The laser optical sensor is not as widely used today, although the difference in performance and price between the two is almost non-existent. What the laser does continue to do is have a higher rate of detail capture (sometimes even too much) that can cause it to fall into jitterin (unwanted tremor). However, its great precision has allowed it to create followers.
Darkfield (Logitech)
Optical mice and mice that use traditional laser technology rely on surface irregularities to control the direction and speed of mouse movement. For this reason, conventional mice do not perform well on polished surfaces. This is where Darkfield laser tracking technology comes in. It relies on the smallest details to create a micro-map of the surface, to enable more precision on more surfaces, including glass.
Some of the mice that have it are:
- Anywhere Mouse MX MX Master 2S
Other Logitech models
- Logitech 910-001116 M705
Conclusions on the best sensor
Let's be honest: the industry is full of sensor and mouse models of all kinds. Currently we have many examples of high-end with great features… and great prices. Buying a mouse with a top sensor is a difficult expense for many, although there are still very competitive models with previous sensors available. Unless you're a professional gamer, you don't have to shell out that money or notice an exaggerated difference.
We recommend reading: Best mice on the market: Gaming, cheap and wireless.
On the other hand, here we are to talk about the best (or best) sensor on the market, and although it is not our intention to advertise, it is inevitable to talk about brands. Many users know very well that in terms of mice (and many other products in general) Logitech is a very reliable brand, and with the Hero 16K you can see that they put all the meat on the grill. Razer is up to the task with its 5G, leaving the question of acceleration to the liking of the consumer.
If you are interested in this type of curiosity from now on, it is easy to see that many of our favorite brands, such as Zowie, Corsair, SteelSeries and others use sensors made by Pixart. This for many is a matter of collaboration and for other companies it is the first step before developing their own models, so: What do you think? What is your favorite sensor and mouse?
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